Acceptance speech: 17th Frontiers of Knowledge Awards in Basic Sciences

Acceptance speech by John F. Hartwig, Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Basic Sciences 2024, jointly awarded with Avelino Corma and Helmut Schwarz for advancing fundamental breakthroughs in catalysis that have enabled scientists to “control and accelerate chemical reactions” in a wide range of industrial processes, “improving efficiency and reducing energy consumption,” as highlighted by the jury.

Hartwig highlights the role of catalysis in designing new chemical transformations, showing how it has enabled more precise and efficient processes, and underscores its relevance in areas such as pharmaceutical synthesis and the development of sustainable materials, demonstrating the impact of chemistry on health and industrial innovation.